Budgerigars after the Spinifex seed
When wondering through the spinifex grasslands of central Australia I would occasionally encounter Budgerigars. As you passed by a small bushy Mallee out would fly a Budgie or three and scare the life out of you. And if you ever want to send yourself blind, try painting the striped feathers on the Budgie’s head. This is a watercolour painting on 300gsm Arches Hot…
The Princess is Preening: Princess Parrots on Marble Gum
I remember that during our 11 + years in Alice Springs, whenever I got to travel west of Alice that I kept an eye out for Princess Parrots- I never got to see them in the wild. These beautiful birds with soft colour tones are a rarity for bird watchers mainly because they normally occur in the remote deserts of Western Australia (i.e….
The ELDER: from Central Australia
This old man lived in the southern part of Central Australia and possibly belonged to the Pitjantjatjara Nation. I met him many years ago and admired both his self confidence and quietness. (I know his name but will refrain from using it here.) The scars on his chest and arms appear to be very old as well. This is a watercolour painting on…
OUT AND ABOUT: Eastern Rosellas on Yellow Gum
Eastern Rosellas have been a favourite bird from as long ago as my earliest years living in Central Victoria. I remember drawing a picture of them while at Primary School as an assignment or project for the Gould League of Bird Lovers. Dunolly Primary School and nearby bushland was covered in Yellow Gums- the cream flowering versions. It’s taken a bit under 60…
Perfect Day in Phoenicea: Red-collared Lorikeets on Eucalyptus phoenicea
Red-collared Lorikeets pass under the radar unless you live in the north of Australia including the Kimberley Region of WA. The very common Rainbow Lorikeet from the east, south and Capital Cities of Australia is far more easily recognised. The eucalyptus is also a stunning feature of that region of Australia. The name Eucalyptus phoenicea is derived from the orange/red flower filaments similar…
Western Rosellas on Eucalyptus erythronema
I have a great love for these gentle little rosellas of Western Australia. We have 4 or 5 come to our garden fairly frequently and for us that is a bonus of living here in Margaret River. I previously painted this species a few times before based upon the colours of the sub-species found in the SW corner of WA. I think this…
